Obvious newbie question that I did not find.

I'm in search now for a new router and I am looking for recommendations on what to purchase and use.

1. What wireless router will give me the longest range, best throughput, etc.? I understand that while one will give me longer range, another will give me better throughput. So please do list a few models. (A good deal would also be appreciated.:smile: )

2. There are quite a few different firmware options available. Now, I know that each one has a different set of features and do different functions. I would simply like to know which one is not recommended to use and and which ones each one of consider the best. (If they are all the best, :smile: then I would appreciate to know which one would give me the best range.) A simple lowdown of basic differences between the different F/W would be greatly appreciated.

I thing these are pretty simple questions which many newbies would like to know. The answers to these questions can change too.

I hope that the answers will also help many others, as I have not found conclusive answers.

Here is a link to a comparison chart for 3rd party firmware http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showthread.php?t=47282. You'll notice that it is generally refering to the WRT54G/GS series which is due to the fact that that is pretty much where it started. As for overall compatibility and hardware features you would be pretty happy with the WRTSL54GS. I recommend you first read the chart and research what hardware is supported by the firmware you like the most. WRT54GL / WRTSL54GS / WRT300N / WRT350N are the newer routers that have linux installed. There is lots more that could be said but I won't bother ranting about it.